Maynard Mack, who is listed as the author, provides a very decent introduction.

He suggests that readers "come to Richard IV Part One from Richard II", which is more or less what I am doing.

I have been reading the histories not really in order but one close on the next. Digging into the tribulations of Bolingbroke right after his crowning and the death of Richard was a great way to approach it.

The history, at least in my case, is the least of it. Even Shakespeare's great themes of order, class conflict, nationhood, and the long reach of history are secondary in the histories to the language.

Since most of the characters are noble or royal, much of the text is in Shakespeare's sublime verse. The beauty and power of the language draw me in and make me want to explore each word and phrase.

It is as if Shakespeare is painting a vivid picture in my mind with his words, allowing me to experience the events and emotions of the characters as if I were there.

The language is truly the heart and soul of these historical plays, and it is what makes them so enduring and captivating.

When the news of rebels reaches Prince Henry, or Hal as he is commonly known, he and his friend Falstaff decide to put on a show for the tavern folk. Hal plays his father, Henry IV, while Falstaff takes on the role of the prince. The dialogues during this brief performance reveal that Hal is more than just a drunk and a thief. His humor is often directed at his older friend, Falstaff.

Playing the part of King Henry IV, Hal says to the prince:

Wherein cunning, but in craft? Wherein crafty, but in villainy? Wherein villainous, but in all things? Wherein worthy, but in nothing?

Hal is more self-aware than his outward appearance suggests and is nonchalant about his complicated relationship with his father. In response, Falstaff, with his drunken humor and playing ways, shows the vulnerable position he feels in befriending a prince. Falstaff replies as Hal:

...banish not him thy Harry's company, banish not him thy Harry's company. Banish plump Jack and banish all the world.

Hal's relationship with Jack Falstaff runs parallel to his relationship with his father, the King. It is Hal's legacy that unsettles Falstaff. The virtues the prince possesses, which he hides behind a facade, scare Falstaff into wondering if Hal will abandon him when he becomes king.

Hal's generally happy disposition in the tavern is a mask for the melancholy that comes with the burden of being a prince. Knowing the path set out for him and the duty he owes to his people, he engages in silly pranks and witty banter with Falstaff, making the most of the little freedom he has. It is in this soliloquy that Hal shines:

I'll so offend to make offense a skill. Redeeming time when men think least I will.

The antagonist of this play is Henry Percy, also known as Hotspur. Hal and Hotspur share not only a name but also a complex relationship with their fathers, affection for their people, and behaviors that are often exploited. The parallels continue throughout the play, and it is clear that only one can prevail in the end. It is truly tragic, as Hotspur's anger issues got him into trouble with King Henry in the first place, and his hot-blooded impatience was unfairly taken advantage of by his uncles. Honor is lost in communication, and his life ends in battle.

One of the most brilliant lines from this play comes from Falstaff, who never fails to deliver a crazy story, a witty response, or a poignant observation:

Honor is a mere scutcheon. And so ends my catechism.